Similan

The Similan Islands National Park is known for long white coral sand beaches, crystal blue waters, consists of of 9 small islands located only 50 Kilometers from Khao Lak, west coast of Phang-Nga in the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands may be visited for one day, overnight or on tours. There are no resorts or stores on the Similans, only a couple of ranger stations and a few bungalows available for rent.

The Similan Islands are famous for hosting some of the most beautiful beaches, snorkeling and dive sites in Thailand and are one of the better areas for diving in the entire world.

Getting to the Similan Islands

- By Bus There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang Nga (approximately 788 kilometres)

Standard bus fee is 357 Baht, air-conditioned bus fee is 459 Baht, and VIP air-conditioned bus fee is 685 Baht.Then another 65 kilometres from Phang Nga to Thap Lamu District, it cost 35 Baht. for Motorbike can then be taken to continue on to Thap Lamu Pier (another 5 kilometres) at 30 Baht.

- By Airplane Flights from Bangkok to Phuket Airport, operate daily. From Phuket, take a bus to Thap Lamu Pier, Phang Nga province.

Thap Lamu Port to Mu Ko Similan National Park, you can take a private tour boat which controlled by the national park and serves tourists everyday.

The cost for round trip is 1,500 - 2,700 baht per person. This tour boat departs from Thap Lamu Port at 08.00 am. in everyday. The return boat from Mu Ko Similan National Park to Thap Lamu Port departs at 14.00 pm. in everyday. However, this service would be closed at May 16 every year because entering of raining season.

Fee

Thai adult 100 Baht / Foreigner adult 400 Baht

Accommodate

Bungalow 1000 - 2000 Baht / night
Tent for 2 person - 450 Baht / night

Islands Info

The 9 Similan Islands are named from South to North:

The Southernmost island - Ko Huyong is also known as Similan Island #1

Ko Payang also known as Similan Island #2

Ko Payan also known as Similan Island #3

Ko Miang also known as Similan Island #4

Ko Ha also known as Similan Island #5

Ko Payu also known as Similan Island #6

Ko Hin Pousar also known as Similan Island #7

Ko Similan also known as Similan Island #8

Ko Bangu also known as Similan Island #9 is the Northernmost of the islands.

Kok Tachai (Tachai Island) is located at the northern most tip of the park. There is a beautiful white powdered beach on the island. There are several sites suitable for SCUBA diving. In addition there are several reefs suitable for snorkeling. Whale sharks and Manta rays are often found here during their seasons.

The National Park Authority maintains a residential center for Park Rangers and support staff on two of the islands: Ko Similan (Island #8) which is the largest Island and Ko Miang (Island #4), which lies mid-way through the chain. These are the only residents allowed on the islands, excepting the overnight guests.

Recently, the islands have come to the special attention of the Thai Royal Family which further assures protection of this national treasure. The Princess has had a "cabin" built on Island #4 and visits almost every year.

● Contact & Source: Mu Ko Similan National Park 93 Mu 5, Ban Thap lamu, Phetkasem Road, Tambon Lamkaen, Amphur Thai Muang Phang Nga Thailand 82120 Tel 076421365, 076595043, 025620760 website: www.dnp.go.th